As we head into the summer months, it’s important to understand what skin cancer is and which factors can increase your risk over a lifetime.
Skin Cancer Types
Skin cancer develops when abnormal skin cells begin to grow and multiply out of control. It is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in Canada.
There are several different types of skin cancer. The most common are:
The Two Most Common Skin Cancer Types
Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the two most common types of skin cancer. They develop when abnormal cells begin to grow out of control, usually over months to years.
These cancers are often found on areas that get a lot of sun, such as the head, neck, and arms. When detected and treated early, they usually have a good outlook. Squamous cell carcinoma has a higher risk of spreading locally than basal cell carcinoma, while basal cell carcinoma has a lower risk of spread but can still cause significant local damage if left untreated.
Repeated exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, both outdoors and from indoor tanning equipment, greatly increases your risk of developing skin cancers.
The Most Dangerous Skin Cancer
Melanoma is less common than basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, but it is a more dangerous form of skin cancer because it is more likely to spread to other parts of the body.
Melanoma can appear anywhere on the body. In men, it is more often found on the chest and back. In women, it is more often found on the legs. It can also develop in less obvious areas, such as the soles of the feet, under the nails, the genital area, and even inside the eye. If melanoma is not found and treated early, it can become life-threatening.
Risk Factors
There are several factors that can increase a person’s risk of developing skin cancer over their lifetime. These include:
- Having fair skin that burns or freckles easily
- A history of sunburns, especially in childhood
- Spending a lot of time in the sun without protection
- Using indoor tanning beds or other UV-emitting tanning devices
- Having many moles, or atypical (dysplastic) moles
- A personal or family history of skin cancer
- Scarring or chronic damage from previous skin diseases or injuries
Using indoor tanning equipment before age 35 has been linked to about a 75% higher risk of melanoma. UV-emitting tanning devices are classified as “carcinogenic to humans” (Group 1) by the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer, the same highest risk category as tobacco and asbestos.
Reducing Your Risk
You can’t change all risk factors, but you can lower your risk of some types of skin cancer by protecting your skin from UV light every day of the year, in all seasons. Helpful steps include:
- Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed skin every day, even when it’s cloudy
- Re-applying sunscreen as directed, especially after swimming or sweating
- Wearing protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses
- Seeking shade and avoiding direct sun during peak hours (about 9:00 am to 3:00 pm)
- Avoiding the use of tanning beds and other artificial tanning devices
While skin cancer remains common in Canada, understanding your risk factors and practising sun safety can help reduce the likelihood of developing certain skin cancers in the future. Regular skin checks, both at home and with a health-care provider, can also improve the chances of finding skin cancer early, when treatment is most effective.
